Being an "older hat" fountain pen lover myself, it is quite refreshing to watch your honest and down-to-earth take of our interest/hobby. This will give any newcomer a pretty insight and can only encourage them to delve into our fountain pen world. Keep it up.
I watched your video clip couple times and came to realise for a "one year old" pen hobbyist, you have done very well. You are certainly very well organised with logging and storing of your inks, basic tools, storage of your pens which I particularly like. Unfortunately here is Australia cigar smoking is not common, so getting hold of cigar boxes would be extremely difficult. However this did give me some ideas which I will work on and feed back to you should they work. Yes RUclips has done its job, had it not for it; you using cigar boxes would not be known to others.
Thank you Chris! It seems to be a process (organizing) that I have to revisit a lot with this hobby because of having so much going on with pens, inks, nibs, cartridges, papers, and cleaning and tuning supplies!!
What a great video! I love all of your samples and boxes that you have. This would be great to show some of my friends and family who just don’t get my obsession of fountain pens! Thanks so much for making it xxxxx
You're going to love that Eco. Still one of my favorites. I celebrated FPD by ordering a few pens on Ebay and ordering about 11 new samples, including that Amethyste DLoural.
Michael - I think you'll love the Amethyste de l'Oural ... it's a nice dark shimmery purple ink - I'll be interested in your opinion when you've written with it!!!!
I am writing this week with my Eco and I really love it! I have Robert Oster Lake of Fire in the pen and it's just a dream to write with - I'm so glad that I made the purchase! The ink capacity is excellent and the pen writes so smooth!!! I like demonstrators the best!!!
I'm still looking for a pen that showcases that ink the very best. It's funny but this old silver sheaffer pen that's way too slim and not comfortable to write with seems to be great for it but I'll keep testing it in other pens -- it's such a BEAUTIFUL ink!!!
I have just found your RUclips channel and I enjoyed this video so much I had to subscribe as well. It was interesting to see some of your fountain pens and the lovely storage boxes. You have a good way of explaining things. The video quality was very good as well. I will be looking at some of your other pen videos and look forward to more in the future.
Hi David -- thank you! The hobby has brought me so much joy! I don't have any "in person" friends who use fountain pens - and I have not yet started a local club so I decided to hop into the conversation this way (on you tube) - even though I have so much to learn about making videos!!!
Hi thank you for the comment and view!!!! I have sort of wavered back and forth about explaining things because so many of my viewers are "experts" and I'm only 1 year into the hobby -- but I think you're right -- for newcomers it would be helpful. I appreciate the feedback!
Many of the "experts" really only know how to buy stuff not work on them to make them better. I would not worry about that. You are a born teacher so just with it.
I just got samples of both the Australian Roses and English Roses. I like the English Roses a lot - more brownish of course but it looked fantastic when I was practicing with my dip pen!
I also have the English Roses in sample -- it's beautiful too! Australian Roses is my favorite overall ink at this point!! It shades so well and I really enjoy the burgundy color!!!
The Platinum Preppy is one of my EDC's. It's a workhorse that writes like a dream, though I prefer an 05 nib. I've turned it into an eyedropper which makes it cool.
Hi Kymberlyn - they are great pens!!! I'm not sure why I prefer a 03 fine - I need to try a 05 medium again and see if I still feel the same! Eye-droppering them is awesome!
Great overview! You do an excellent job of hitting the key points for beginners. I admit to some cigar box envy when I see what you have.... My condolences to you and your family.
Thank you Sue! I have to MAKE myself not go into the local cigar shop (Tobacco World) to hunt for empty boxes. They are "only" $2 but I went a little bit crazy. With the extras I am going to try learning how to paint them and make treasure boxes. A woman in my city makes beautiful ones.
Hi, Chris! I just found your channel, and I’m so glad! I’m relatively new to the fountain pen world myself, so I really enjoyed your video. I have many samples, like you, and I’m just learning about how to keep all my goodies organized...and I love the idea of the cigar boxes, and the ink sample book. I just ordered my very first holder for my sample bottles, and I look forward to getting some of the other accessories you have shown, especially the sample book, to keep track of all my samples. I’m also trying to introduce my friends to this wonderful hobby! Thank you for showing us your set-up, it’s great! 👍 ☺️
Hi Meline -- I'm so glad the video was helpful!! I recently found out that a site called "Gopens" carries liners for drawers that can be cut and put into the cigar boxes too!! I have yet to order but many fellow pen friends have ordered and are using those.
A couple papers I've tried recently work pretty well with fountain pens. One is the Mead Cambridge Limited. The one I have is a spiral bound, hardcover notebook 11x8.5. The other is Black n' Red Professional Notebook - Optic Paper 11x8. The Optic Paper cover even has a fountain pen nib on the front. I bought both at a local Rite Aid drug store :)
Thank you for the notes about friendly paper/notebooks!!! I'm always looking for paper that holds up fairly well with fountain pens!! We don't have Rite Aid here but back home in Vermont they have it.
Thank you Doreen. I forgot to mention that it was a devastating one year battle with stage 4 lung cancer that my sisterinlaw went thru. She was only 60.
I love this video so much. I like the idea of an ink journal. I recently re-organized my craft area, and found a mini moleskin note that I hadn’t used yet. The inks May bleed thru, but maybe I will use just the fronts, and skip a page..... could you tell me about you ink journal ( the brand name) maybe I should just order that one since it’s made for ink Journaling.
Hi grannaboo03 -- I forgot to mention the brand of the ink journal -- it is a "Currently Inked" Inky Fingers notebook from The Pen Habit! penhabit.com/product/pocket-notebook-currently-inked/ I really love it!!!!!
I think you're referring to the yellow cigar insert piece. I have long been meaning to order some pen liners but this yellow one was left inside a cigar box that I purchased for $2 at Tobacco World. It came in handy and I still use it on my desk to hold some inked up pens so they won't roll around. An online company called GoPens sells the real pen drawer liners that are the right width I just haven't gotten around to ordering some.
This can be true! I've had some good luck with notebooks I've found at both Target and Office Depot --both say "made in Vietnam" the Target one is marketed by Yoobi and the Office Depot one says "notes" on the front and has impressive paper quality for under $5.
Being an "older hat" fountain pen lover myself, it is quite refreshing to watch your honest and down-to-earth take of our interest/hobby. This will give any newcomer a pretty insight and can only encourage them to delve into our fountain pen world. Keep it up.
Thank you Richard - I have hoped to share and be part of the fountain pen conversation & you tube has provided a nice way to communicate!!!!!
I watched your video clip couple times and came to realise for a "one year old" pen hobbyist, you have done very well. You are certainly very well organised with logging and storing of your inks, basic tools, storage of your pens which I particularly like. Unfortunately here is Australia cigar smoking is not common, so getting hold of cigar boxes would be extremely difficult. However this did give me some ideas which I will work on and feed back to you should they work. Yes RUclips has done its job, had it not for it; you using cigar boxes would not be known to others.
I enjoyed the video, well done. It was great to see everything so organized. I'm jealous. Motivates me to be more organized. Thanks for sharing.
Thank you Chris! It seems to be a process (organizing) that I have to revisit a lot with this hobby because of having so much going on with pens, inks, nibs, cartridges, papers, and cleaning and tuning supplies!!
I enjoy your enthusiasm for pens. It's contagious. Sincere condolences. You're gonna love the new TWSBI. Thanks for another successful video. Peace😃
Thank you Billy!
Right? Instantly likable person just from the first few seconds of the video. I don't think I've ever heard so much charisma.
I’m new to this and loved your video. You’re so excited ! ❤️👍🏼
Hi K9 - this hobby and the many pen friends just bring(s) me so much joy!!!!
What a great video! I love all of your samples and boxes that you have. This would be great to show some of my friends and family who just don’t get my obsession of fountain pens! Thanks so much for making it xxxxx
Hi Kerri -- I'm glad you liked it!!! My fountain pen hobby has really brought a lot of joy into my life!!!!!
You're going to love that Eco. Still one of my favorites. I celebrated FPD by ordering a few pens on Ebay and ordering about 11 new samples, including that Amethyste DLoural.
Michael - I think you'll love the Amethyste de l'Oural ... it's a nice dark shimmery purple ink - I'll be interested in your opinion when you've written with it!!!!
I am writing this week with my Eco and I really love it! I have Robert Oster Lake of Fire in the pen and it's just a dream to write with - I'm so glad that I made the purchase! The ink capacity is excellent and the pen writes so smooth!!! I like demonstrators the best!!!
I just ordered a sample of Lake of Fire along with 10 others. Looking forward to trying it when it comes in on Thursday.
I agree on Black Swan in Australian Rose. It's a great ink that shades well and has just an amazing color.
I'm still looking for a pen that showcases that ink the very best. It's funny but this old silver sheaffer pen that's way too slim and not comfortable to write with seems to be great for it but I'll keep testing it in other pens -- it's such a BEAUTIFUL ink!!!
Great setup here. I have a similar desk, though its definitely not that organized. Hope you had a great Fountain Pen Day!!
Thank you very much for watching and commenting! It was an awesome Fountain Pen Day! I inked up my very first TWSBI (Eco).
I have just found your RUclips channel and I enjoyed this video so much I had to subscribe as well. It was interesting to see some of your fountain pens and the lovely storage boxes. You have a good way of explaining things. The video quality was very good as well. I will be looking at some of your other pen videos and look forward to more in the future.
Hi David -- thank you! The hobby has brought me so much joy! I don't have any "in person" friends who use fountain pens - and I have not yet started a local club so I decided to hop into the conversation this way (on you tube) - even though I have so much to learn about making videos!!!
Nice collection. Thanks for sharing.
Thank you for viewing and commenting Doreen - I really appreciate it.
So much fun to watch your video's. Keep explaining things and not assume that people that are watching the videos know all about pens.
Hi thank you for the comment and view!!!! I have sort of wavered back and forth about explaining things because so many of my viewers are "experts" and I'm only 1 year into the hobby -- but I think you're right -- for newcomers it would be helpful. I appreciate the feedback!
Many of the "experts" really only know how to buy stuff not work on them to make them better. I would not worry about that. You are a born teacher so just with it.
I just got samples of both the Australian Roses and English Roses. I like the English Roses a lot - more brownish of course but it looked fantastic when I was practicing with my dip pen!
I also have the English Roses in sample -- it's beautiful too! Australian Roses is my favorite overall ink at this point!! It shades so well and I really enjoy the burgundy color!!!
The Platinum Preppy is one of my EDC's. It's a workhorse that writes like a dream, though I prefer an 05 nib. I've turned it into an eyedropper which makes it cool.
Hi Kymberlyn - they are great pens!!! I'm not sure why I prefer a 03 fine - I need to try a 05 medium again and see if I still feel the same! Eye-droppering them is awesome!
Great overview! You do an excellent job of hitting the key points for beginners. I admit to some cigar box envy when I see what you have....
My condolences to you and your family.
Thank you Sue! I have to MAKE myself not go into the local cigar shop (Tobacco World) to hunt for empty boxes. They are "only" $2 but I went a little bit crazy. With the extras I am going to try learning how to paint them and make treasure boxes. A woman in my city makes beautiful ones.
Hi, Chris! I just found your channel, and I’m so glad! I’m relatively new to the fountain pen world myself, so I really enjoyed your video. I have many samples, like you, and I’m just learning about how to keep all my goodies organized...and I love the idea of the cigar boxes, and the ink sample book. I just ordered my very first holder for my sample bottles, and I look forward to getting some of the other accessories you have shown, especially the sample book, to keep track of all my samples. I’m also trying to introduce my friends to this wonderful hobby! Thank you for showing us your set-up, it’s great! 👍 ☺️
Hi Meline -- I'm so glad the video was helpful!! I recently found out that a site called "Gopens" carries liners for drawers that can be cut and put into the cigar boxes too!! I have yet to order but many fellow pen friends have ordered and are using those.
Chris Saenz Thanks for that update, Chris! 😉
A couple papers I've tried recently work pretty well with fountain pens. One is the Mead Cambridge Limited. The one I have is a spiral bound, hardcover notebook 11x8.5. The other is Black n' Red Professional Notebook - Optic Paper 11x8. The Optic Paper cover even has a fountain pen nib on the front. I bought both at a local Rite Aid drug store :)
Thank you for the notes about friendly paper/notebooks!!! I'm always looking for paper that holds up fairly well with fountain pens!! We don't have Rite Aid here but back home in Vermont they have it.
Hi Chris! That first pen you mentioned looks just like a TWISBI ECO 👍🏼
Hi Paris -- oh this video seems like a very long time ago -- must have been about a year ago!!! :)
You should have way more subscribers
Fun and informative! I’m a fountain pen newbie and have started with the TWSBI eco. I’m loving it!
Where have you found most of your cigar boxes?
Hi Gail - I got my cigar boxes from Tobacco World (empty) $2 each.
Chris Saenz Thank you! If I get to collecting I want to be ready! 😁🧡
You can easily eyedropper that Preppy - it holds a ton of ink that way.
Hi -- thanks for watching and commenting!!! One of these days I'll eyedropper one -- I have the o-rings and grease from Goutlet Pens!!!!!
Have you noticed how the gaze of visitors inevitably strays to the syringe? I just brazen it out these days.
Hi Dragonize --oh yes! The ink syringes do get some funny looks! :)
I'm sorry to hear about your loss.
Thank you Doreen. I forgot to mention that it was a devastating one year battle with stage 4 lung cancer that my sisterinlaw went thru. She was only 60.
Chris Saenz that's really tragic.
I love this video so much. I like the idea of an ink journal. I recently re-organized my craft area, and found a mini moleskin note that I hadn’t used yet. The inks May bleed thru, but maybe I will use just the fronts, and skip a page..... could you tell me about you ink journal ( the brand name) maybe I should just order that one since it’s made for ink Journaling.
Hi grannaboo03 -- I forgot to mention the brand of the ink journal -- it is a "Currently Inked" Inky Fingers notebook from The Pen Habit! penhabit.com/product/pocket-notebook-currently-inked/ I really love it!!!!!
Dear Chris Saenz, What is that yellow thing you put your pen on?
I think you're referring to the yellow cigar insert piece. I have long been meaning to order some pen liners but this yellow one was left inside a cigar box that I purchased for $2 at Tobacco World. It came in handy and I still use it on my desk to hold some inked up pens so they won't roll around. An online company called GoPens sells the real pen drawer liners that are the right width I just haven't gotten around to ordering some.
Thanks Chris Saenz, you're very helpful.
Which ink journal you are using?
I am using the Inky fingers Currently Inked ink journal I purchased it here: penhabit.com/product/pocket-notebook-currently-inked/
Tnkx!
Oh great. Now I KNOW there's no hope for me.
Hi N. I've begun to get a bit more reasonable now. My first whole year back in fountain pens ... I went nuts!!!!!
Problem with fountain pen paper is that it's way overly expensive.
This can be true! I've had some good luck with notebooks I've found at both Target and Office Depot --both say "made in Vietnam" the Target one is marketed by Yoobi and the Office Depot one says "notes" on the front and has impressive paper quality for under $5.
👌👍👏👏👏✍✍💎